A Will is a legal document that allows an individual to direct how property shall be distributed after death. This document also names personal representatives (executors); guardians for minor children; and beneficiaries. The personal representative is the individual or individuals that will represent the estate of the deceased and will carry out their wishes as per the Will.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to give authorization to someone that they trust to make financial decisions on their behalf. This individual is known as the attorney. A Power of Attorney can be springing or immediate. A springing Power of Attorney comes into effect at the time of incapacity and an immediate Power of Attorney comes into effect at the time of executing the document.

Enduring Power of Attorney in Alberta

An enduring power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have in Alberta. Unlike a general power of attorney, which ends if you become mentally incapacitated, an enduring power of attorney remains in effect even after you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. This means your chosen attorney can continue managing your financial affairs when you need it most.

Under Alberta's Powers of Attorney Act, an enduring power of attorney must be in writing and signed while you have the mental capacity to understand its implications. At Jaswal Law, our estate planning lawyers guide you through every step of establishing your enduring power of attorney, ensuring your document is properly executed and your wishes are clearly expressed.

Personal Directives in Alberta

A personal directive is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make personal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Under Alberta's Personal Directives Act, this document only comes into effect when you can no longer make decisions for yourself.

Personal decisions covered by a directive can include where you will reside, whether you participate in social and employment activities, your health care decisions, and end-of-life care wishes. A personal directive gives you control over these deeply important choices, even when you cannot speak for yourself.

At Jaswal Law, we prepare personal directives as part of our estate planning packages, ensuring your directive works together with your will and power of attorney to provide complete protection for you and your family.

A Codicil is a legal document that amends your Will which assists with keeping your estate plan up to date. A Codicil can consist of changes, additions or removal of clause from your Will.

At Jaswal Law, estate planning is quick and efficient. Our office ensures a smooth process including a basic questionnaire, an initial review of questionnaire by way of phone appointment, and then an in-person appointment.

The in-person appointment is where clients and the estate lawyers are able to review the estate planning package in detail and edits/amendments can be made in real time. This appointment allows for the clients to ask any further questions or concerns they may have as well. Contact our office for your estate planning needs today.